WO2024089915A1 - Management system and method for pneumatic fender - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a management system and method that make it possible to achieve excellent maintainability and to simply and more stably ascertain the states of individual pneumatic fenders. A pressure sensor 15a, a temperature sensor 15b, and a passive-type IC tag 11 that integrates the pressure sensor 15a and the temperature sensor 15b are activated on the basis of transmission radio waves R1 from a communicator 16 that is outside a pneumatic fender 2 on which the IC tag 11 is installed, response radio waves R2 are transmitted from the activated IC tag 11 in response to the transmission radio waves R1 and wireless communication is performed between the IC tag 11 and the communicator 16 such that the communicator 16 acquires identification information A for the IC tag 11 and detection data D1, D2 for the pressure sensor 15a and the temperature sensor 15b for when the IC tag 11 was activated, a computation device 17 identifies the individual pneumatic fender 2 on the basis of the identification information A, and the state of the pneumatic fender 2 is determined on the basis of the detection data D1, D2.

Description

System and method for managing pneumatic fenders

The present invention relates to a management system and method for determining the condition of pneumatic fenders.

A management system has been proposed that monitors the usage status of pneumatic fenders installed on quays and other locations (see Patent Document 1). The management system proposed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an identification tag and a sensor installed on the pneumatic fender, and a receiving device that receives radio waves from the sensor. By using a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor as the sensors, it is possible to monitor the internal pressure and internal temperature of the pneumatic fender. By using a passive RFID tag as the identification tag, no battery is required to obtain information from the identification tag.

In this management system, the identification tag and the sensor are attached separately to each pneumatic fender, making installation and maintenance work complicated. Furthermore, the sensor is powered by a built-in battery (paragraph 0022). When the battery runs out, it needs to be replaced, making maintenance work even more complicated. Also, since the battery cannot be easily replaced for a pneumatic fender that is in use, the internal pressure and internal temperature of the pneumatic fender cannot be determined until the worn-out battery is replaced. Therefore, there is room for improvement in order to easily and more reliably determine the condition of each pneumatic fender and to improve maintainability.

International Publication No. 2011/155265

The object of the present invention is to provide a management system and method with excellent maintainability that allows the status of each pneumatic fender to be grasped easily and more reliably.

In order to achieve the above object, the pneumatic fender management system of the present invention comprises a pneumatic fender having a main body with bowl-shaped ends connected to both sides in the axial direction of a cylindrical body and a nozzle portion attached to at least one of the bowl-shaped ends of the main body, a passive IC tag installed on the pneumatic fender, a pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the pneumatic fender and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the internal space of the pneumatic fender, and a communication device arranged outside the pneumatic fender, and in this management system for pneumatic fenders, an individual pneumatic fender is identified based on the identification information of the IC tag acquired by the communication device, and the condition of the pneumatic fender is determined based on the detection data acquired by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are equipped on the IC tag and are integrated with the IC tag. The structure has a calculation device that is communicably connected to the communication device, and the IC tag is activated by the transmitted radio waves sent from the communication device, and the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are activated. The activated IC tag transmits a reply radio wave in response to the transmitted radio waves, thereby performing the wireless communication between the IC tag and the communication device, and the identification information is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the calculation device, and the detection data by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor when the IC tag is activated is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the calculation device, and the calculation device identifies the individual pneumatic fenders based on the input identification information, and determines the state of the pneumatic fenders based on the input detection data.

The method for managing a pneumatic fender of the present invention comprises installing a passive IC tag, a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the pneumatic fender, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the internal space of the pneumatic fender on a pneumatic fender having bowl-shaped ends connected to both sides in the axial direction of a cylindrical body, at least one of the bowl-shaped ends of the body being fitted with a nozzle, disposing a communication device on the outside of the pneumatic fender, identifying an individual pneumatic fender based on the identification information of the IC tag obtained by the communication device, and determining the condition of the pneumatic fender based on detection data obtained by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor being attached to the IC tag and being integrated with the IC tag, The system further includes a computing device that is communicatively connected to the IC tag, and activates the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor by an outgoing radio wave transmitted from the communication device, and wireless communication is performed between the IC tag and the communication device by transmitting a reply radio wave from the activated IC tag in response to the outgoing radio wave, and the identification information is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the computing device, and the detection data by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor when the IC tag is activated is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the computing device, and the computing device identifies the individual pneumatic fenders based on the input identification information and judges the state of the pneumatic fenders based on the input respective detection data.

According to the present invention, the identification information and the detection data can be obtained by wireless communication between the IC tag and the communication device. Then, the state of each pneumatic fender can be easily grasped based on the obtained identification information and the detection data. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are equipped on the IC tag and are integrated with the IC tag, the labor required to attach these parts to the pneumatic fender can be reduced. Furthermore, since the IC tag, the pressure sensor, and the temperature sensor are activated by the radio waves transmitted from the communication device, there is no need to provide batteries in these parts. In other words, there is no need to replace the batteries in these parts, and data cannot be obtained due to battery depletion, which improves maintainability and is advantageous for stably grasping the state of each pneumatic fender over the long term.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a pneumatic fender installed on a quay wall as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an embodiment of a management system for a pneumatic fender, showing a fender in vertical cross section. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which wireless communication is performed between an IC tag and a communication device by enlarging a part of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged view of the IC tag and its vicinity in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an IC tag in a plan view. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the IC tag of FIG. 5 as viewed from the front. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another structure for attaching an IC tag to a fender. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a management system in which a computing device and terminal devices are connected via a communication network. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of the management system in a vertical cross-sectional view of a fender. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating reference image data of a top view of a fender. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating image data of a top view of a fender acquired by a camera device.

Below, the management system and method for pneumatic fenders of the present invention will be explained based on the embodiment shown in the figures.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pneumatic fender 2 (hereafter referred to as the fender 2) is attached to an installation location such as a quay 22 or the side of a ship using guy ropes 2a or the like. The fender 2 comprises a main body 3 having bowl-shaped ends 5 connected to both axial ends of a cylindrical body 4, and a nozzle portion 9 provided on the main body 3. In this embodiment, the nozzle portion 9 is provided on only one bowl-shaped end 5, but it may also be provided on both bowl-shaped ends 5.

In Figure 1, multiple fenders 2 are installed at intervals, but a single fender 2 may be installed. The fenders 2 may be installed horizontally with their respective bowl-shaped ends 5 facing left and right, or vertically with their respective bowl-shaped ends 5 facing up and down.

The embodiment of the management system 1 for pneumatic fenders (hereinafter referred to as management system 1) illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 is used to grasp the state of each individual fender 2. This management system 1 can be used not only to grasp the state of fenders 2 that are installed and used at the installation location in a state inflated to a specified internal pressure as illustrated in Figure 1, but also to grasp the state of fenders 2 that are stored, for example, in a warehouse, etc.

To explain the structure of the fender 2 in detail, the main body 3 is composed of multiple reinforcing layers 7 laminated between an inner rubber layer 6 and an outer rubber layer 8. Each reinforcing layer 7 that constitutes the body 4 is formed from a large number of cords that are aligned and extend parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 4 at a specified cord angle. The cords of adjacent reinforcing layers 7 that are laminated cross each other to form a bias structure.

The reinforcing layer 7 that constitutes each bowl-shaped end 5 is constructed by alternately laminating cord layers formed of cords extending radially from the circular center of the bowl-shaped end 5 and cord layers formed of cords extending in the circumferential direction. In other words, the laminate of the reinforcing layer 7 of the bowl-shaped end 5 has a so-called radial structure. In addition, in Figure 2, the boundary between the body 4 and each bowl-shaped end 5 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line for reference.

This management system 1 comprises a fender 2, a passive IC tag 11, a pressure sensor 15a and a temperature sensor 15b installed on the fender 2, a communication device 16 arranged outside the fender 2, and a computing device 17 communicatively connected to the communication device 16. The pressure sensor 15a and the temperature sensor 15b are equipped on the IC tag 11 and are integrated with the IC tag 11. In this embodiment, the IC tag 11 is embedded in the inner rubber layer 6 of the main body 3. Wireless communication is performed between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16, and desired information and data are obtained from the IC tag 11 by the communication device 16.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the IC tag 11 has an IC chip 12 and an antenna section 13 connected to the IC chip 12. The pressure sensor 15a and the temperature sensor 15b are connected to the IC tag 11 (IC chip 12). The size of the IC chip 12 is very small, for example, the vertical and horizontal dimensions are each 50 mm or less (equivalent to an outer diameter of 50 mm or less), and the thickness is 5 mm or less. The size of the antenna section 13 is also very small. In this embodiment, the antenna section 13 is a dipole type made of a metal wire extending symmetrically from the IC chip 12. The length of each metal wire is approximately 10 mm to 200 mm.

More specifically, the IC tag 11 has an IC chip 12 and an antenna section 13 connected to the IC chip 12. The IC chip 12 can store tag-specific information such as the identification number A of the IC tag 11, as well as other necessary information. The IC tag 11 employs commonly available specifications, and for example, an RFID tag can be used.

The IC chip 12 is disposed on the front surface of the substrate 14. The pressure sensor 15a and temperature sensor 15b connected to the IC chip 12 are disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 14. The antenna section 13 (metallic wire) protrudes and extends from the substrate 14. The antenna section 13 is not limited to the dipole type described above, and various known types can be used, for example, a ceramic antenna formed on the substrate 14.

The main body 3 may be contracted by expelling the air from the internal space, or may be expanded by injecting air into the internal space of the contracted main body 3. If a dipole type made of a metal wire is used as the antenna section 13, it has excellent bending durability, which is advantageous in avoiding damage even when the main body 3 is greatly deformed in this way.

The IC tag 11 is covered by an insulating layer 14a, and the entire IC tag 11 is electrically insulated from the outside. However, the detection parts of the pressure sensor 15a and temperature sensor 15b are not covered by the insulating layer 14a and are exposed from the surface of the insulating layer 14a. As shown in FIG. 4, when the IC tag 11 is embedded in the inner rubber layer 6 of the main body 3, only the detection parts of the pressure sensor 15a and temperature sensor 15b are exposed to the internal space of the fender 2.

The insulating layer 14a can be made of resins such as ABS, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyimide, and epoxy. Polyvinyl chloride is highly flexible and is therefore very suitable for covering the long antenna portion 13 (single metal wire).

The IC tag 11 can be installed not only in the main body 3 but also in the mouthpiece 9, but it is easier to install it by embedding it in the main body 3. It is preferable to embed it in the inner layer rubber 6 of the bowl-shaped end of the main body 3, which is less susceptible to deformation and external forces. Also, if a large number of tires are installed on the outer surface of the main body 3 using a chain net, the chain net and tires will be an obstacle to wireless communication between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16. Therefore, the IC tag 11 needs to be placed in a position that is not covered by the chain net and tires installed on the outer surface of the main body 3. It is difficult to change the positions of the chain net and tires in the trunk 4, but their positions can be slightly adjusted in the bowl-shaped end 5, so from this perspective it is preferable to embed the IC tag 11 in the inner layer rubber 6 of the bowl-shaped end 5.

This IC tag 11 can be installed in a state where it is embedded in the main body 3 during the manufacturing process of the fender 2. In other words, the IC tag 11 can be embedded in the inner rubber layer 6 during the molding process of the main body 3, and then the main body 3 can be vulcanized, thereby installing the IC tag 11 in a state where it is embedded in the main body 3.

In this embodiment, an IC tag 11 is attached to each bowl-shaped end 5. Also, on each bowl-shaped end 5, the IC tags 11 are attached to multiple locations (2 locations) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the IC tags 11 attached to each bowl-shaped end 5 are positioned at positions offset by 90° in the circumferential direction.

The outer surface of the main body 3 (the surface of the outer rubber layer 8) corresponding to the embedding position of each IC tag 11 is provided with an embedding mark 10 indicating the embedding position of the IC tag 11. In this embodiment, the embedding position mark 10 is a convex portion, but as long as it can indicate the embedding position of the IC tag 11, its form is not limited, and it may be a concave portion or a printed mark, etc.

The pressure sensor 15a detects the internal pressure of the fender 2. Any known type of pressure sensor can be used as long as it can be attached to the IC tag 11. The detection data D1 detected by the pressure sensor 15a is acquired by the communication device 16.

The temperature sensor 15b detects the temperature of the internal space of the fender 2. Any known type of temperature sensor 15b can be used as long as it can be attached to the IC tag 11. The detection data D2 detected by the temperature sensor 15b is acquired by the communication device 16.

The temperature sensor 15b in this embodiment has two detection units, one of which detects the temperature of the internal space of the fender 2. The other detection unit detects the temperature of the main body 3 (inner layer rubber 6) at the position where the temperature sensor 15b is embedded. The temperature of the main body 3 detected by the temperature sensor 15b is also acquired by the communication device 16 as one of the detection data D2 (as detection data _D21 ). It is sufficient for the temperature sensor 15b to detect the temperature of the internal space of the fender 2, and it is more preferable that the temperature sensor 15b be able to detect the temperature of the main body 3 described above in addition to the temperature of the internal space of the fender 2, as in this embodiment.

The communication device 16 is equipped with a radio wave transmitter 16a and a radio wave receiver 16b. An outgoing radio wave R1 is transmitted from the radio wave transmitter 16a to the IC tag 11. The outgoing radio wave R1 received by the antenna unit 13 generates power in the IC tag 11, activating the IC tag 11. The activated IC tag 11 uses this power to transmit a reply radio wave R2 through the antenna unit 13, and this reply radio wave R2 is received by the radio wave receiver 16b. In this way, wireless communication is performed between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16 by transmitting the reply radio wave R2 in response to the outgoing radio wave R1.

The communication device 16 is of a commonly available specification that allows wireless communication with a passive IC tag (RFID tag). As a result, the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16 constitute an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system. In this embodiment, a portable, handy type communication device 16 is used. Because a passive IC tag 11 is used, the communication distance of the radio waves R1 and R2 between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16 is, for example, about 1 m.

The frequency of the radio waves (R1, R2) used for wireless communication between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16 is mainly the UHF band (range 860 MHz to 930 MHz, which varies by country; in Japan, 915 MHz to 930 MHz), although the HF band (13.56 MHz) is sometimes used.

The identification information A and the detection data D1, D2, and _D21 acquired by the communication device 16 are input to the calculation device 17. The calculation device 17 performs various calculation processes using the input data. A known computer is used as the calculation device 17.

Below, an example of a procedure for understanding the condition of the fender 2 using this embodiment of the management system 1 is described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fender 2 is installed and used at the installation location in a state of expansion to the specified internal pressure. The communication device 16 is brought close to the fender 2 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and the IC tag 11 is activated by the transmitted radio wave R1 sent from the radio wave transmitter 16a. When the IC tag 11 is activated, the pressure sensor 15a and temperature sensor 15b integrated with the IC tag 11 are also activated. The response radio wave R2 transmitted from the activated IC tag 11 in response to the transmitted radio wave R1 is received by the radio wave receiver 16b, and wireless communication is performed between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16.

The distance for this wireless communication is approximately 1 m, so the communicator 16 must be placed close to the IC tag 11. In this embodiment, a visible embedded mark 10 is provided on the outer surface of the main body 3, so placing the communicator 16 close to the embedded mark 10 is advantageous for stable wireless communication.

When the IC tag 11 is activated, the identification information A stored in the IC chip 12 is wirelessly communicated from the IC tag 11 by the reply radio wave R2 and acquired by the communication device 16. In addition, when the IC tag 11 is activated, the detection data D1, D2, and _D21 by the pressure sensor 15A and the temperature sensor 15b are wirelessly communicated from the IC tag 11 by the reply radio wave R2 and acquired by the communication device 16.

The identification information A and the detection data D1, D2, _D21 acquired by the communication device 16 are input to the calculation device 17. The calculation device 17 links each of the identification information A to the position information (installation position information) of the fender 2 on which the IC tag 11 having each of the identification information A is installed, and stores the same in the calculation device 17. The identification information A is also linked to the specifications, manufacturing history, usage history, and the like of the fender 2, and stores the same in the calculation device 17. The calculation device 17 also stores the allowable ranges for each of the internal pressure of the fender 2, the temperature of the internal space, and the temperature of the main body 3.

Therefore, the computing device 17 identifies individual fenders 2 based on the input identification information A, and judges the state of each fender 2 based on the input detection data D1, D2, _D21 . That is, the input detection data D1, D2, _D21 are compared with the corresponding allowable ranges to judge the state of the fenders 2. As a result of this comparison, it is judged that an abnormality has occurred for detection items that are outside the allowable ranges, and that no abnormality has occurred for detection items that are within the allowable ranges.

For example, when the detection data D1 is a value lower than the allowable range (low pressure), it can be determined that an air leak is occurring in the fender 2. It can also be determined that the fender 2 is being used under harsh conditions because the fender 2 is often pressed hard. When the detection data D2, D21 is a value higher than the allowable range, it is determined that the fender 2 is in an abnormally high temperature state, and when the detection data D2, _D21 is a value lower than the allowable range, it is determined that the fender 2 is in an abnormally low temperature state. It can also be determined that the fender 2 is in an abnormally high or low temperature state and is being used under harsh conditions.

Although there is a difference in temperature between the above-water part and the underwater part of the main body 3 due to the air and water temperatures, there is no clear temperature difference in the temperature of the internal space of the fender 2, as there is a difference in temperature between the above-water part and the underwater part of the main body 3. In other words, the detection data D2 ₁ is easily affected by the external environmental temperature, and the detection data D2 is less affected by the external environmental temperature than the detection data D2 _1. Therefore, by using the temperature sensor 15b to detect the temperature of the internal space of the fender 2 and the temperature of the main body 3 separately, it is advantageous to grasp the effect of temperature on the durability of the fender 2 (main body 3) in more detail.

It is also considered that the degree of deterioration of the main body 3 changes according to the difference (temperature difference) between the detection data D2 (internal temperature of the fender 2) and the detection data D2 ₁ (temperature of the main body 3). Therefore, it is possible to grasp the influence on the durability of the fender 2 (main body 3) based on the difference between the two. Since the detection data D2 and the detection data D2 ₁ differ depending on the installation position of the temperature sensor 15b, it is preferable to install the IC tag 11 at multiple locations spaced apart from each other in order to grasp the distribution of the detection data D2 (internal temperature of the fender 2) and the detection data D2 ₁ (temperature of the main body 3) in the fender 2.

Since the fender 2 installed horizontally rotates in the circumferential direction, there are cases where the IC tag 11 installed in one location is located underwater. In this case, wireless communication between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16 becomes practically impossible. For this reason, it is preferable to install the IC tag 11 at multiple locations spaced apart around the circumference of the main body 3. For example, it is installed at 2 to 4 locations equally spaced apart around the circumference of the main body 3. Also, there are cases where the fender 2 is installed vertically, and in this case, if the IC tag 11 is installed only at one bowl-shaped end 5, that IC tag 11 may be located underwater. For this reason, it is preferable to install the IC tag 11 at each bowl-shaped end 5.

According to this embodiment, the identification information A and the detection data D1, D2, and D2 ₁ can be obtained by performing wireless communication between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16. Then, the state of each fender 2 can be easily grasped based on the obtained identification information A and the detection data D1, D2, and D2 _1. Since the pressure sensor 15a and the temperature sensor 15b are equipped on the IC tag 11 and are integrated with the IC tag 11, the labor required to attach these components to the fender 2 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the IC tag 11, the pressure sensor 15a, and the temperature sensor 15b are activated by the transmission radio wave R1 transmitted from the communication device 16, it is not necessary to provide batteries in these components. Therefore, there is no need to replace the batteries in these components, and there is no risk of data becoming unavailable due to battery depletion, which improves maintainability and is advantageous for stably grasping the state of each fender 2 over a long period of time.

As shown in the example of Figure 1, when multiple fenders 2 are used in a vertical arrangement, the severity of the fenders 2 varies depending on their installation position, and the degree of wear of each fender 2 also varies accordingly. This management system 1 can grasp the severity (usage state) of each fender 2 and the usage history of each fender 2, so based on this data, it is advantageous to appropriately rotate the installation positions so that the degree of wear of each fender 2 is uniform.

When fenders 2 are stored in warehouses or the like, they are inflated to a specified internal pressure. When ascertaining the status of these fenders 2, wireless communication is performed between the C-tag 11 and the communication device 16 in the above-described procedure. Then, individual fenders 2 are identified, and the status of the fenders 2 is judged based on the respective detection data D1, D2, and _D21 . It becomes possible to easily ascertain air leakage from the fenders 2 over time based on the detection data D1. This is advantageous for quickly refilling air into fenders 2 whose internal pressure is lower than the standard value due to air leakage.

The IC tag 11 shown in FIG. 7 is covered with a covering rubber 6a and embedded in the main body 3 of an already manufactured fender 2. In more detail, the IC tag 11 is bonded to the surface of the inner layer rubber 6 and is entirely covered with the covering rubber 6a. However, the detection parts of the pressure sensor 15a and temperature sensor 15b are not covered by the covering rubber 6a and are exposed in the internal space of the fender 2. The covering rubber 6a is bonded to the inner layer rubber 6. It is recommended that the covering rubber 6a be made of the same type of rubber as the inner layer rubber 6.

If the fender 2 that has already been manufactured is large (for example, the outer diameter of the body 4 is 2 m or more), workers can enter and exit the inside of the fender 2 through the nozzle 9. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the IC tag 11 can be retrofitted to an already manufactured fender 2 by embedding it in the main body 3. By retrofitting the IC tag 11 to the main body 3 in this way, it becomes possible to apply this management system 1 to fenders 2 that have already been manufactured.

As shown in Fig. 8, the computing device 17 may be configured to be connected to desired terminal devices 21 via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, various information (data) is transmitted from the computing device 17 to terminal devices 21 of related parties such as the management office of the operating company (user) of the fender 2, the sales company of the fender 2, and the manufacturing company, which are located remotely from the place where the fender 2 is used. The information transmitted to each terminal device 21 is, for example, the detection data D1, D2, and _D21 of each fender 2 acquired by the communication device 16, and the judgment result by the computing device 17 regarding the state of the fender 2. With this configuration, the related parties having these terminal devices 21 can grasp the internal and external state of the fender 2 while being located remotely from the place where the fender 2 is used.

Another embodiment of the management system 1 illustrated in FIG. 9 further includes a drone 18 and a camera device 19 in addition to the previous embodiment. The drone 18 is equipped with a communication device 16 and a camera device 19. The rest of the configuration is substantially the same as the previous embodiment, and the various specifications described above can be applied. The camera device 19 can be provided as an option, but providing the camera device 19 is advantageous in understanding the state of the fender 2 in more detail. Note that in FIGS. 9 to 11, the boundaries between the body 4 and each bowl-shaped end 5 are illustrated by two-dot chain lines for reference.

In this embodiment, the computing device 17 is located in a remote location relative to the location where the fender 2 is used, and the communication device 16 and the computing device 17 are configured to be separate and independent. The communication device 16 and the computing device 17 can also be integrated and mounted on the drone 18.

The camera device 19 acquires image data M of the fender 2 from the airspace above the fender 2. As the camera device 19, various known digital cameras that acquire still or video image data M can be used. The image data M acquired by the camera device 19 is input to the computing device 17.

The drone 18 can be equipped with the above-mentioned communication device 16 and camera device 19 and can adopt known specifications that allow it to fly to a desired location and hover at a fixed position. The drone 18 is equipped with a GNSS receiver 20, which grasps the position coordinates of the drone 18 in real time. By inputting the position coordinates of the desired location into the control unit of the drone 18, the drone 18 can be flown to the desired location by automatic control operation.

The calculation device 17 is input with reference image data Mc, which shows the fender 2 in a sound state without twisting and without unnecessary deformation, as shown in FIG. 10. This reference image data Mc may be image data actually photographed from the airspace above the fender 2, or data created from design data, etc. An output means, such as a monitor, is connected to the calculation device 17.

Below, an example of a procedure for understanding the condition of the fender 2 using the embodiment of the management system 1 illustrated in Figure 9 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drone 18 is flown from a measurement base on land or on a ship and moved to the airspace above the fender 2. For example, based on the position information of the fender 2 that is known in advance, the drone 18 is moved to the airspace above the fender 2 by automatic driving using the GNSS receiver 20 installed on the drone 18. When performing wireless communication between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16, the drone 18 continues to be automatically driven to position the drone 18 in the airspace above the IC tag 11, and the distance between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16 is set to about 1 m. Alternatively, the drone 18 can be positioned in the airspace above the IC tag 11 by the drone operator based on the image data M acquired in real time by the camera device 19. In this embodiment, if the buried mark 10 is provided on the outer surface of the body 4, it becomes easier to bring the communication device 16 close to the IC tag 11 using the buried mark 10 as a landmark.

With the drone 18 (communication device 16) positioned in the airspace above and near the IC tag 11, the IC tag 11 is activated by an outgoing radio wave R1 sent from the radio wave transmitter 16a. A reply radio wave R2 sent from the IC tag 11 in response to the outgoing radio wave R1 is received by the radio wave receiver 16b, and wireless communication is performed between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16.

The procedure for grasping the state of the fender 2 is the same as in the previous embodiment, but in this embodiment, image data Mr of the fender 2 is acquired by the camera device 19 while the drone 18 is in the airspace above the fender 2, as illustrated in FIG. 9. It is preferable to acquire image data Mr that covers the entire fender 2, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The timing for acquiring this image data Mr may be before or after wireless communication between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16.

The acquired image data Mr is input to the calculation device 17. The calculation device 17 judges the external condition of the fender 2 based on the difference between the input image data Mr and the preset reference image data Mc. For example, the outer shape (contour) of the fender 2 in the reference image data Mc illustrated in FIG. 10 is compared with the acquired image data Mr illustrated in FIG. 11. The calculation device 17 judges that the fender 2 has abnormal deformation if the degree of deformation of the fender 2 in the image data Mr compared to the fender 2 in the reference image data Mc exceeds a preset tolerance range, and judges that no abnormal deformation has occurred if it is within the tolerance range. By superimposing the fenders 2 in the reference image data Mc and the image data Mr, the degree of deformation of the fender 2 can be easily calculated by the calculation device 17. As a result, it is advantageous to grasp damage to the fender 2 at an early stage.

Alternatively, the arrangement of the fender 2 at the installation location, such as the quay 22, of the reference image data Mc and the image data Mr is compared. If the degree of deviation in the arrangement of the fender 2 at the installation location of the fender 2 of the image data Mr compared to the fender 2 of the reference image data Mc exceeds a preset tolerance range, the calculation device 17 determines that there is an abnormal deviation in the arrangement of the fender 2, and if it is within this tolerance range, it determines that there is no abnormal deviation. As a result, it is advantageous to quickly identify abnormalities in the installation of the fender 2.

In this embodiment, when wireless communication is to be performed between the IC tag 11 and the communication device 16, the drone 18 is moved to the airspace above the IC tag 11. This eliminates the need for a worker to move close to the IC tag 11 and bring the communication device 16 close to the IC tag 11, significantly reducing the labor required for the work. This wireless communication can be easily performed even if the fender 2 is large (for example, the outer diameter of the body 4 is 2 m or more).

Furthermore, by providing the camera device 19, it is possible to compare the reference image data Mc with the image data Mr and grasp the external condition of the fender 2. In other words, by using not only the detection data D1, D2, and _D21 from the pressure sensor 15a and the temperature sensor 15b but also the image data Mr, it is advantageous to grasp the condition of the fender 2 in more detail. In this embodiment, if the calculation device 17 is configured to be connected to a desired terminal device 21 via a communication network as shown in Fig. 8, the image data Mr of each fender 2 acquired by the camera device 19 can also be transmitted from the calculation device 17 to the terminal device 21.

1 Management system 2 Pneumatic fender 2a Guy rope 3 Main body 4 Body 5 Bowl-shaped end 6 Inner layer rubber 6a Covering rubber 7 Reinforcement layer 8 Outer layer rubber 9 Mouthpiece 10 Buried mark 11 IC tag 12 IC chip 13 Antenna 14 Substrate 14a Insulating layer 15a Pressure sensor 15b Temperature sensor 16 Communication device 16a Radio wave transmitter 16b Radio wave receiver 17 Calculation device 18 Drone 19 Camera device 20 GNSS receiver 21 Terminal device 22 Quay A Identification information D1, D2 Detection data M Image data

Claims (10)

1. A pneumatic fender comprising: a body having bowl-shaped ends connected to both sides in the axial direction of a cylindrical body; a nozzle portion attached to at least one of the bowl-shaped ends of the body; a passive IC tag installed on the pneumatic fender; a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the pneumatic fender; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the internal space of the pneumatic fender; and a communication device arranged outside the pneumatic fender;
   In a management system for pneumatic fenders, an individual pneumatic fender is identified based on the identification information of the IC tag acquired by the communication device, and a state of the pneumatic fender is determined based on detection data by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor acquired by the communication device,
   the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are provided on the IC tag and have a structure integrated with the IC tag, and the IC tag has a computing device communicably connected to the communication device,
   The IC tag is activated by the radio waves transmitted from the communication device, and the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are activated. The activated IC tag transmits a reply radio wave in response to the radio waves, thereby performing the wireless communication between the IC tag and the communication device.
   the identification information is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the arithmetic device, and the detection data by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor when the IC tag is activated is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the arithmetic device,
   A management system for pneumatic fenders in which the computing device identifies individual pneumatic fenders based on the input identification information and determines the condition of each pneumatic fender based on the input detection data.
2. The management system for pneumatic fenders according to claim 1, in which the IC tag is embedded in the main body.
3. The management system for pneumatic fenders according to claim 2, wherein the IC tags are installed at multiple locations spaced apart around the circumference of the main body.
4. The management system for pneumatic fenders according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the antenna part constituting the IC tag is a dipole type made of a single metal wire.
5. A management system for pneumatic fenders according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which an embedded mark indicating the embedded position of the IC tag is provided on the outer surface of the main body corresponding to the embedded position of the IC tag.
6. A management system for pneumatic fenders according to any one of claims 2 to 5, configured so that the temperature of the main body at the position where the temperature sensor is embedded is detected by the temperature sensor, and the temperature of the main body detected by the temperature sensor is also used as the detection data by the temperature sensor.
7. A management system for pneumatic fenders according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the communication device is mounted on a drone.
8. The management system for pneumatic fenders according to claim 7, wherein a camera device is mounted on the drone, image data acquired by the camera device is input to the computing device, and the computing device determines the state of the pneumatic fenders based on the input image data.
9. A pneumatic fender having a body with bowl-shaped ends connected to both sides in the axial direction of a cylindrical body and a nozzle attached to at least one of the bowl-shaped ends, a passive IC tag, a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the pneumatic fender, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the internal space of the pneumatic fender are installed on the pneumatic fender, and a communication device is disposed on the outside of the pneumatic fender,
   A method for managing pneumatic fenders, comprising identifying an individual pneumatic fender based on identification information of the IC tag acquired by the communication device, and determining a condition of the pneumatic fender based on detection data by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor acquired by the communication device,
   The pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are provided on the IC tag to form an integrated structure with the IC tag, and a computing device is provided which is communicably connected to the communication device,
   activating the IC tag and activating the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor by the transmitted radio waves transmitted from the communication device, and transmitting a reply radio wave from the activated IC tag in response to the transmitted radio waves to wirelessly communicate between the IC tag and the communication device;
   The identification information is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the arithmetic device, and the detection data by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor when the IC tag is activated is acquired by the communication device through the wireless communication and input to the arithmetic device,
   A method for managing pneumatic fenders in which the computing device identifies individual pneumatic fenders based on the input identification information and determines the condition of each pneumatic fender based on the input detection data.
10. The method for managing pneumatic fenders according to claim 9, wherein the IC tag is embedded in the body during the manufacturing process of the pneumatic fender, or the IC tag is embedded in the body and retrofitted to an already manufactured pneumatic fender.

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